Plumbers Make Me Sweat

So, a long time ago, I noticed what appeared to be a damp spot about 3 inches in diameter about 4 foot high on a hallway interior wall.

That was several years ago, and I nervously wondered if I had a leaking pipe behind the wall. then I got laid off, and expensive plumbing adventures weren't in my future.

Now that I'm working again (not at top pay, but working full-time, nonetheless), I decided I really need to address that spot on the wall. It is not damp, but it never went away, either.

I bit the bullet and called a plumber, who came over this afternoon. He looked at it and it was his opinion that it wasn't a leaky pipe, because leaking water would turn the sheetrock soft enough that you could poke a hole in it with your finger.

I pointed out that the bathtub upstairs was directly overhead, and there had been times someone taking the shower didn't close the curtain well enough and water got onto the bathroom floor in that corner. In fact, enough water got on the floor to bring up one tile. He thought that was the likely culprit, something I'd hoped, actually, but didn't believe to be the case since the water mark never went away. He said water would leave a mark, and he was reluctant to cut into my wall and I certainly didn't disagree with that.

So I decided it would be a good idea, confirmed by the plumber, to repaint that wall and then watch it to see if any kind of water mark reappears.

Now what's making me nervous is that the plumber's secretary warned me that if they find out it's nothing, they still "need to charge me" for the service call. The plumber left without saying anything about a bill. I've used this plumber before and he just gave me the bill and I paid him while he was there. Could it be possible that he's cutting me a break???? If so, I'm sure I'd be saving $100 or so. I really, really, really hope so; I have so many expenses right now.

So I've added "painting the wall" to my list of weekend chores. I've got to get started on them because so many little ones are piling up.

I put in 8 hours of work today and after taking this delightful break with the SA universe, I plan to put in 1 more hour of work. If I can do this each weekday, plus do 5 extra hours on a weekend, that's an extra $1,000 a month, or $12,000 a year!!!! Money I could really, really, really use.

I had my physical yesterday and go back in a week to go over the results. She got me started on a new round of antibiotics for my urinary tract infection.

3 Responses to “Plumbers Make Me Sweat”

I had a roofer come out in the fall and the secretary said the same thing about a service charge. He didn't think my leak was a roof issue, but a window, he offered to write up an estimate things he would improve the roof with for drainage. When I inquired about paying a the service fee he said, 'not now'. I never received a bill, just the estimate for the roof repairs I didn't even need for my problem. Based on my experience, you just might not have to pay!!

It would be wonderful to have a freebie but don't count on it. The plumber drove to your home and spent time assessing the problem. If you don't get a bill in 30 days, take him a plate of home made cookies in appreciation!

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